What concept explains the justification of behavior by blaming external factors rather than taking personal responsibility?

The correct choice emphasizes the concept of rationalization, which involves justifying one's behavior by attributing it to external factors rather than accepting personal responsibility. In this psychological process, individuals create excuses or rational explanations for their actions, which allows them to maintain a positive self-image while deflecting accountability.

For example, someone who fails to meet a deadline might blame unforeseen circumstances or a heavy workload instead of acknowledging their own time management issues. Rationalization serves as a coping mechanism that helps individuals navigate feelings of guilt or shame without confronting the underlying reasons for their actions.

Other concepts mentioned do not accurately capture the mechanism of deflecting responsibility in the same way. While justification might seem similar at first glance, it does not specifically focus on external factors but can apply broadly to any reasoning process. Externalization generally refers to projecting inner feelings or thoughts outward, which is not exclusively about justification. Displacement involves redirecting feelings from one target to another and is not concerned with the justification of behavior based on external circumstances. Thus, rationalization is the most appropriate term to describe this specific psychological process.